Family

Soon-to-be mom Jillian Harris talks pregnancy and parenthood

With a baby on the way, Jillian Harris of Love It or List It Vancouver gets real about her style, her schedule and setting priorities.

We first took notice of Jillian Harris when she appeared as a contestant on The Bachelor in 2009—and, later, as the first Canadian star of The Bachelorette. Now, she cohosts W Network's Love It or List It Vancouver, and we've fallen in love with her buoyant personality and approachable design esthetic. This past spring, the 36-year-old shared the exciting news that she and her partner, entrepreneur and former boardercross racer Justin Pasutto, were expecting a baby in August. We couldn't wait to ask Jillian a million questions. Here she is, on the verge of motherhood.

Is being pregnant what you expected?

I expected to be this maternal lady waddling around. Instead, I'm nearly seven months pregnant and still moving mattresses and driving back and forth from Vancouver to Kelowna twice a week. I feel like the same person but with a belly that is now kicking me. It's really cool.

How would you describe your pregnancy style?
When it comes to fashion, I'm trying to think more pragmatically and find things I can wear post-pregnancy that are loose, breezy and comfortable—not too fussy.

With two nurseries to decorate (one in Vancouver for when you're filming and one at your home in Kelowna), what's inspiring your decor?

The nursery in Kelowna is going to be very white and fresh and more traditional. The one in Vancouver is going to be more modern and have some pops of colour, like mustard, teals, oranges and some pink and blue.

You're planning to go back to work shortly after having the baby. How will you adapt your schedule?

I guess I'll just have to wait and see. I wrote a post on Facebook about how we were looking for a nanny, and a few people were all up in arms, like, "Why would you even bother having a baby if you have to have a nanny?" I don't think there's any shame in getting help. That way you can continue to provide for the family. And I love what I do. It makes me so happy, and I know that being a mom is going to make me so happy, too. There are so many judgments. All you can do is focus on what you think is right for your family and try to let the rest roll off your back.

What's the scariest part of becoming a mom?

Knowing that there's going to be a human walking the planet who, ultimately, I'm responsible for and who is going to be making his or her own decisions—that's scary!

What lessons will you pass on from your own parents?

My parents were such great parents; they gave me so much confidence. One of the things they taught me was work ethic. They told me that, if I worked hard enough, I could have anything I wanted. Even when I was eight years old, I was obsessed with working—I wanted a job so bad! So the second our kid is old enough, he or she is going to get a part-time job. I want him or her to understand the value of hard work and contributing to the community.

What are you most looking forward to about motherhood?

Growing that little family. When we decided to get Nacho, our boxer, it made our relationship stronger and it turned us into a family. Justin and I are so excited for the baby. We're thinking about things like, What does our family stand for? What are our values and goals?